201603024 xnews

WEEKEND, MARCH 24-27, 2016 | www.x-news.co.ke

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support tb vaccination, state tells churches Health principal Secretary nicholas muraguri says eradicating the disease remains one of the government’s biggest challenges that require concerted efforts

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NEWS

Uruguay’s Luis Suarez set for return to national side after biting ban

Champions league shake up as UEFA mulls new format for 2017

Government cracks the whip on exam cheating T

he government has today cracked the whip on top officials of the Kenya National Examinations

Council (Knec) and dissolved the board over rampant cases of exam cheating.

At a joint press conference with his

Interior counterpart, Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i announced that former University of Nairobi Vice-Chancellor Prof

George Magoha has been appointed the chairman of the board with immediate effect.

Continued on page 2

Prince William meets Kenyatta

IEBC defends decision on Okoa Kenya

Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge with President Uhuru Kenyatta when they met at State House Nairobi earlier today. Prince William is on a fourday private visit to Africa for the Easter weekend during which he will attend the wedding of his ex-girlfriend Jessica Craig. Kensington Palace announced that the Duke will also spend time on the wildlife reserve while in Kenya. PHOTO/PSCU

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The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has today defended itself against attacks from the opposition over their decision to declare the Okoa Kenya initiative collapsed.

Cord yesterday accused IEBC of being partisan in the verification of the signatures that has now scuttled the process of the constitutional amendments through a referendum.

However, the Commission’s chairman Isaac Hassan said they did not act at the behest of the government and that everything was done professionally and above board.

He urged Cord to instead start the process afresh arguing that the law is silent on what happens next.

Continued on page 2

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NEWS

KNEC chiefs sacked as government moves to curb cheating in exams WEEKEND, MARCH 24-27, 2016

From Page 1

At the same time, Knec chief executive Joseph Kivilu and eight top managers have been ordered to surrender themselves to the nearest police stations to record statements over rampant cases of exam cheating that were witnessed last year.

“Preliminary investigations into cheating, irregularities and illegations activities on a number of fronts within and outside the council show that these people were involved in exam leakage,” Matiang’i said.

Nkaissery directed the nine to immediately surrender themselves at the nearest police stations to record the statements so that action can be taken against them.

Those who fail to abide by the order should be arrested, Nkaissery ordered.

The move is the beginning of actions the government promised to take to rein in cheating that has

Kenya National Examinations Council chief executive Joseph Kivilu who was sacked today. He is among nine officials ordered to record statements with police over last year’s rampant cheating in KCSE examinations.

become widespread threatening the credibility of Kenyan education standards. A record

number of 5,101 candidates who sat last year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)

examination had their results cancelled because of cheating.

Dr Matiang’i who presided over

the release of the results early this month noted that there was an “unprecedented” 70 per cent rise in exam irregularities with virtually all counties recording cases.

“This is not a laughing matter.

This is a very serious situation, very sad. Bottom line is I want to look Kenyans in the face and tell them that as your Minister for Education, I apologise for these irregularities and I promise you that it will never happen again under my watch. I will do my very best, I will give it my all, to ensure that we don’t go this path again,” Matiang’i said then.

He promised to consult with his Interior counterpart and education stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the cheating menace.

And today, those consultations seem to have resolved to have a fresh start with new officials at the helm of the national examinations body. peter_x254

IEBC defends decision on Okoa Kenya, urges Cord to start afresh From Page 1

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“The first process has failed and Okoa Kenya team can start a fresh. It is their right as enshrined in the constitution,” Hassan said.

He said the commission also invited Okoa Kenya team to monitor the verification process but they did not honour the invitation contrary to claims made by the opposition yesterday that they were never involved in the verification of signatures.

“I called the Okoa Kenya movement chairman Paul Mwangi and also Moses Wetangula informing them prior of the outcome of the

process so they should not lie that we didn’t informed them,” Hassan said.

Hassan also said that the commission also invited Okoa Kenya team to monitor the verification process.

“The process was handed professionally and in the spirit of transparency and openness, the records are available for audit by any independent team,” he said.

The chairman said verification process was never a casual one and had a thorough look at the signatures.

In their explanation, IEBC said that 10 booklets had blank pages, others had the same ID number with different names.

In one page of the booklets one person signed close to ten times, he said.

Hassan once again reiterated that the commission is ready to hold the next general election and urged the public should ignore the political class calling for their resignation.

He also refuted claims by Cord that the commission shared the information with Jubilee leaders including Aden Duale and Johnson Sakaja.

“The commission has only one spokesman and that’s the chairman, so ignore any other person purporting to be speaking on our behalf,” Hassan said. sam_x254

Ministry appeals to churches over TB vaccine I

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The Ministry of Health has appealed to religious organisation to support the government efforts in eliminating Tuberculosis (TB), saying it remains one of the nation’s major public health threats.

Ministry officials are now calling for heightened awareness campaign between the church and the government to totally eradicate the diseases which is currently ranked as 4th leading cause of death in Kenya.

Speaking during the launch of the ‘Mulika Tb! ili tu malize

TB! Campaign at Panafric hotel today morning, Principal Secretary for Health Dr. Nicholas Muraguri said the government has not won the fight against tuberculosis.

“The fight against TB is not yet over, TB remains one of the nation’s largest public health threats,” he said.

“We need the support all of the stakeholders including the churches for us to stem out this disease. Drug resistant to TB still remains a major health concern,” he added.

Muraguri said over the past 10 years, approximately four

million Kenyans have been tested for tuberculosis with 1.2 million of those diagnosed of the disease provided with the treatment and five hundred thousand lives saved.

He regretted that many Kenyans continue to lose their lives to TB yet the disease can be diagnosed and treated.

“Over the last one year, 1.2 million Kenyans have been diagnosed with TB and only one million TB patients have been treated successfully, we need to increase the awareness and treatment to the patients,” hillary_x254 he added.

NEWS 3 WEEKEND EDITION MARCH 24-27, 2016

Don’t partake of graft, CJ tells new magistrates Chief Justice Willy Mutunga has warned newly-sworn in magistrates not to engage in corruption, saying stern disciplinary action will be Chief Justice Willy taken against those found Mutunga and Registrar of the culpable.

Judiciary Anna Mutunga told the magis- Amadi pose for a trates to hold themselves to photo with the new the high standards of integ- magistrates after rity that has already been set they were sworn in yesterday. by the Judiciary.

“You must remain true to the oath of office and the Constitution of Kenya. You must undertake your duties with integrity, fairness and steadfast morality. We have elevated our fight against corruption in the judiciary a notch higher and the JSC will not hesitate to take any disciplinary action against judicial officers and administrative staff who are engaged in this vice,” Mutunga said.

“Let me reiterate that as you join the Judiciary family, it family is trying to set in its values, is important that you hold yourself conduct and service delivery. This is to the high standards the Judiciary

public service not a personal benefit or enrichment career,” added the CJ.

DPP to appeal acquittal of Mpeketoni attack suspects The Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko intends to appeal the acquittal of two main suspects behind the 2014 Mpeketoni terrorist attack where more than 60 people were killed.

In his notice of appeal filed yesterday, Mr Tobiko requested for the proceedings of the case within 14 days so that he may challenge the acquittal.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling by High Court judge Martin Muya that exonerated Mahadi Swaleh alias Jesus and Dyna Suleiman both of whom are accused for coordinating the planning and execution of the killings last June.

“Take notice that the Director of Public Prosecutions being

dissatisfied with the whole judgment of the learned honourable Mr Justice M. Muya delivered on 23rd March 2016 and the acquittal of the respondents intends to appeal to the Court of Appeal against the whole of the said judgment,” the notice states.

He wants the acquittal to be substituted with a conviction of murder and the two sentenced to death.

“And to have the acquittal substituted with conviction of murder contrary to section 203 as read with section 204 penal code, cap 75 laws of Kenya and the respondents be sentenced to the mandatory death sentence,” it said.

Muya had said that the prosecution failed to prove beyond

reasonable doubt that the two who were facing 60 counts of murder were directly involved in the attacks.

He pointed out that a lot of resources and manpower were utilised in this case which he found to have been poorly investigated.

Dyna was accused of ferrying the attackers from Mombasa to Lamu using two matatus that he claimed were hijacked

by Al Shabaab to carry out the attack while Swaleh planned eviction of non-locals.

According to the prosecution, the offences were committed during the period between June 15 and 17, 2014 at Kaisari Village and Mpeketoni Township in Lamu County.

Mutunga also urged the new magistrates to acquaint themselves with

Chapter six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity as they are now State officers.

“In whatever you do, wherever you are posted, integrity needs to be your first name. As a state officer, you need to understand the requirements of leadership and integrity under the Constitution,” Mutunga said.

He said magistrate’s courts stand at a critical intersection in the daily struggles of the people and, therefore, the magistrates should not disappoint them while discharging their duties.

A total of 30 magistrates were recruited to the offices of Senior Resident Magistrate and Chief Magistrate.

“Kenya’s population has grown and so too the need for accessible Judicial Services. For many Kenyans, the only face of the judiciary they will ever see and interact with is the magistrate’s court.

Magistrates are at the retail end of our business in the judiciary,” he said. @sam_x254

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Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko in a previous court session. He has file a notice to challenge the acquital of two main suspects behind the 2014 Mpeketoni killings.

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NEWS WEEKEND EDITION MARCH 24-27, 2016

NEWS BRIEFS Senegal votes to reduce presidential term from 7-5 years People in Senegal have voted to cut presidential mandates from seven to five years from 2019, according to the results of Sunday’s referendum. The move comes at a time many African leaders are trying to cling on to power by extending their time in office. The electoral commission said 63% had approved the changes proposed by President Macky Sall. Turnout was 38%. The opposition have criticised Mr Sall for failing to cut his current tenure - the changes take effect in 2019. The leaders of countries such as Burkina Faso, Burundi, Rwanda and Congo sought to extend their rule last year. Such moves have triggered violent protests in Burundi and Congo. The new constitution proposes 14 other changes, including limiting the age of presidential candidates to 75 and allows independents to run.

It also reaffirmed the limit to two presidential terms.

Somalia premier backs anti-FGM campaign Somalia’s prime minister has publicly backed a campaign to ban female genital mutilation (FGM) in his country. It is currently against the constitution but parliament has not yet passed a bill outlawing the practice. Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke has joined more than a million others by signing an online petition calling for a comprehensive ban.

The UN children’s agency, Unicef, estimates that more than 90% of Somali girls undergo FGM. It adds that it is mainly performed on four to 11-year-olds and can have a long-lasting impact on the girls’ physical and mental health.

Somali anti-FGM campaigner Ifrah Ahmed said she had persuaded Mr Sharmarke to sign the petition organised by online campaign group Avaaz. She said that it was a significant move as many people in Somalia do not openly speak about the issue. Ms Ahmed, who has experienced FGM herself, thought it would help put pressure on the lawmakers to pass the bill.

She has worked with Somalia’s Women’s Affairs Minister Sahra Samatar in drawing up the draft legislation. Ms Samatar said the prime minister’s action was a “huge boost” to the efforts to get the law passed. But campaigners acknowledge that it will take more than a law to end the practice. Ms Ahmed said that an education campaign, as well as a willingness to enforce the legislation, will be necessary. She said that it is widely practised in Somalia as people believe it is a religious requirement and girls who have not undergone it are taunted for not being cut.

Barack Obama promises to release Argentina coup files

President Barack Obama, who is on a visit to Argentina, has promised to release secret files concerning the US role in the military coup there 40 years ago that installed one of the region’s most brutal regimes.

He was speaking after talks with Argentine President Mauricio Macri.

Mr Obama said US military and intelligence files from the era would be declassified for the first time.

He arrived in Argentina after a historic three-day visit to Cuba.

President Macri said the visit marked the beginning of “new mature and intelligent relations” between the two countries.

US-Argentina relations were less close during the previous leftwing governments of Mr Macri’s predecessors, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and Nestor Kirchner.

Mr Obama praised the reforms implemented by Mr Macri’s centreright government since he came to power in December.

“President Macri is a man in a hurry. I’m impressed because he has moved rapidly on so many reforms to reconnect Argentina with the world community,” he said.

Mr Obama said that by offering a more stable financial scenario to foreign investors, Mr Macri would attract billions of dollars of investment from US businesses.

“Argentina needs to be a critical partner with us. It is one of the biggest, most important countries in the region.”

Earlier this month, Argentina signed an agreement with US hedge funds to settle a 15-year dispute over its failure to repay billions of dollars worth of bonds.

Ms Fernandez had refused to negotiate with the investors, labelling them “vulture funds”.

Mr Obama expressed hope that his gesture to release secret files of the 1970s would help mend relations

US President Barack Obama with Argentine President Mauricio Macri during a state dinner in Buenos Aires, Argentina yesterday. Obama promised to release secret files concerning the US role in the military coup in Argentina 40 years ago.

PHOTO: DAVID FERNANDEZ/EPA

between the two countries.

“We are absolutely determined to do our part as Argentina continues to heal and move forward as one nation, and I hope this gesture also helps to rebuild trust that may have been lost between our two countries,” he said. His presence in the country coincides with the 40th anniversary on Thursday of the military coup, which Mr Macri describe as “the darkest chapter in our history”.

Some groups are planning protests because of the support American governments gave to the military coup of 24 March 1976.

Some 30,000 people are estimated

to have been killed during the military period, which lasted until 1983. Thousands of other people were illegally detained and tortured in what became known as the “Dirty War”.

General Jorge Rafael Videla, who led the coup, died in jail in 2013, serving a sentence for human rights violations. Mr Obama said US foreign policy had learned from the mistakes of the past, including its involvement in the Argentina coup.

“I will visit a memorial to the victims of the Argentine dictatorship,” he said.

President Macri and President Obama also announced a

partnership to tackle drug trafficking and money laundering.

And both leaders expressed concerns about the political crisis in Brazil, Argentina’s biggest neighbour and commercial partner.

“We hope Brazil solves its political crisis. Their democracy is sufficiently mature.

“We need a strong and effective Brazil for our own economies and world peace,” said Mr Obama.

Mr Macri said that the Brazilian crisis had a potential impact on the Argentine economy.

But he expressed his confidence that “Brazil will come out of this crisis strengthened”.

New heights as human fossils discovered in city Archaeologists have today announced the discovery of human fossils near Nairobi in the first case of human remains to be found close to a capital city.

Led by Emma Mbua, an associate researcher from the National Museums of Kenya, the archaeologists said they discovered the more than three million year old human species Australopithecus afarencis fossils in Ngong hills Kantis Fossil Site (KFS).

According to Mbua, the findings crowns other earlier archaeological sites that have previously recognised Kenya as the cradle home of mankind.

“The presence of Australopithecus

afarensis at Kantis Fossil Site (KFS) extends the geographical range of the species away from the Rift Valley systems and suggests the species found suitable habitats on the Kenyan highlands,” Dr. Mbua said.

She said with Kantis site proximity to the city and the Nairobi National Park, the discovery would serve as a tourist attraction site for lovers of nature and human science.

“It is our expectations that KFS due to its proximity to Nairobi city, will serve as an important tourist destination in addition to research, and will attract visitors that are interested in early human development story,” said Mbua.

The fossil is the first specimen of the species that occurred outside the Rift Valley and also the first time that the species has been discovered in Kenya with previous finds being unearthed in Tanzania The research was undertaken by a consortium of scholars that comprises Kenyans, Americans, and Japanese and French scientists, coordinated by Dr Emma Mbua, an associate research scientist at the National Museums of Kenya and a lecturer at Mount Kenya University.

Kantis fossil site joins other early human sites in Kenya that have yielded fossils of at least five humanoid species like Koobi Fora,

Kanapoi and Nariokotome on the eastern and western side of Lake Turkana.

Last year, a similar discovery was made in Turkana County ‘Nariokotome Boy’, a nearly complete skeleton of a hominin youth who lived during the early Pleistocene which is the most complete human skeleton ever found.

The fossil is believed to be between 1.5 and 1.6 million years old.

Its faunal composition and diet as indicated by studies of stable carbon isotopes on mammalian teeth, suggest the habitats were drier than other east African sites that have yielded afarensis.

NEWS 5

Scores in critical condition after attack WEEKEND, MARCH 24-27, 2016

Scores of people remain in intensive care following Tuesday’s suicide bomb attacks in Brussels that left 31 people dead, Belgium’s health minister says.

Maggie de Block said that of about 300 wounded people, 61 were still in a critical condition, and suggested that the death toll could rise further.

Ms de Block said in a statement that the injured were from 40 nationalities, and 150 were still being treated in hospitals across Belgium.

Many are suffering from burns or wounds normally seen on a battlefield, such as shrapnel injuries. The death toll, the statement said, was still “provisional”.

Ms de Block added that four patients were in a coma and had not yet been identified, which was delaying the process of naming victims.

Belgium’s king and queen visited the airport on Wednesday and also met some of those injured in the attacks.

A minute’s silence was held at midday.

Earlier, prosecutors confirmed they had identified two of the four attackers as brothers Khalid and Brahim elBakraoui.

Two other attackers have yet to be named. One died, another is on the run. Federal Prosecutor Frederic Van Leeuw said Brahim el-Bakraoui had been identified as the middle of three suspects caught in a CCTV image at the airport.

He blew himself up in the attack at Zaventem airport that killed 11 people while Khalid struck at Maelbeek metro, where 20 people died, prosecutors said.

The man on the left is believed to have died at the airport. The man on the right, wearing the hat, is thought to have fled the scene.

Mr Van Leeuw said the man in the hat had left a bag containing “the biggest bomb”, which later partially exploded after police had evacuated the terminal, injuring no-one.

Reports in Belgian and French media

Queen Mathilde and King Philippe of Belgium when they visited the Queen Astrid hospital in Neder-over-Heembeek near Brussels where scores of those injured during Tuesday’s attack are being treated. A number of those injured remain in critical condition. PHOTO: JULIEN WARNAND/EPA

suggest the man on the left is Najim Laachraoui, but this is not confirmed.

Analysts say Laachraoui is believed to be a key bomb maker, and French media say he played a key role in the terror attacks in Paris.

Mr Van Leeuw said a taxi driver had told police he had picked up the three men from an address in the Schaerbeek area of Brussels.

The apartment was raided later on Tuesday and bomb-making materials, including 15kg (33lb) of high explosive, were found.

A note from Brahim el-Bakraoui was found in a nearby rubbish bin. In it,

he wrote: “I’m in a hurry (...) they’re looking for me everywhere. I’m not safe any more. If I give myself up they’ll put me in a cell.”

Van Leeuw said the brothers, who were Belgian nationals, were known to police and had criminal records. They were identified by DNA records.

Broadcaster RTBF quoted a police source saying that Khalid el-Bakraoui had used a false name to rent a flat in the Forest area of Brussels where police killed a gunman in a shootout last week.

It was during that raid that detectives found a fingerprint of Salah Abdeslam,

the main suspect in the Paris terror attacks of 13 November.

He was arrested in a raid in Brussels last Friday.

Turkey said on Wednesday that Brahim was detained by Turkish officials on the border with Syria in June 2015 and deported to the Netherlands.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Belgium had “ignored our warning that this person is a foreign fighter”.

Belgian Justice Minister Koen Geens said he was aware that the suspect had been deported from Turkey but denied that he had been flagged as a

possible terrorist.

Belgium has raised its terrorism alert to the highest level, and its international airport remains closed.

EU interior and justice ministers are due to hold a crisis meeting in Brussels today to discuss their response to the bombings. Authorities continue with investigations which involve looking back and piecing together any clues to unravel the network that helped terrorists plan the attack.

But every move they make is also an effort to stop the next attack on European soil, which some analysts say is inevitable.

Top stories from X News global partners Brussels attacker ‘caught Intense Manhunt After The problems with Two brothers revealed in Turkey last June’: One Brussels Massacre: The profits in American as Brussels bombers: of the two brothers behind the Brussels Brussels suicide bombers included business: Two brothers with suspected links to America used to be the bombing early Tuesday had been arrested two Belgium-born brothers with a the plotters of the November terrorist in the summer of last year. Turkey said it had deported Ibrahim el-Bakraoui to the Netherlands in the summer of 2015 and had warned Belgium that he was a suspected foreign fighter. The two brothers are said to have been the suicide bombers behind the attack at the airport. 31 people are confirmed to have died in the two attacks, and 300 wounded. Of these, 150 are still being treated in hospitals, 61 of whom are in intensive care. Four patients remain unidentified. Three people have so far been officially identified among the dead: Adelma Tapia Ruiz, Leopold Hecht and Oliver Delespesse.

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violent criminal past and suspected links to plotters of the Islamic State’s Paris attacks last November, the authorities said on Wednesday, raising new alarms about Europe’s leaky defenses against a militant organization that has terrorized two European capitals with seeming impunity. One of the brothers was deported by Turkey back to Europe less than a year ago, Turkey’s president said, suspected of being a terrorist fighter intent on entering Syria, where the Islamic State is based. Despite that statement, Belgian officials said neither brother had been under suspicion for terrorism until recently. www.nytimes.com

land of opportunity and optimism. Now opportunity is seen as the preserve of the elite: two-thirds of Americans believe the economy is rigged in favour of vested interests. And optimism has turned to anger. The on-going campaigns have found plenty of things to blame, from free-trade deals to the recklessness of Wall Street. But one problem with American capitalism has been overlooked: a corrosive lack of competition. The naughty secret of American firms is that life at home is much easier: their returns on equity are 40% higher in the United States than they are abroad.

attacks in Paris were identified by Belgian prosecutors on Wednesday as the suicide bombers in Tuesday’s double strike on Brussels’ airport and metro line. Federal prosecutors identified Ibrahim El Bakraoui as one of two men who blew themselves up in the departure hall of Zaventem airport while his brother Khalid died after detonating a device on a metro carriage in the city’s EU quarter. The second airport suicide bomber was identified by his DNA as Najim Laachraoui, who was already implicated in last year’s Paris attacks, police told Belgian media.

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xnews |WEEKEND, MARCH 24-27, 2016 | www.x-news.co.ke

BUSINESS

KenGen-Power Africa deal to boost electricity generation Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has signed a partnership deal with Power Africa-Kenya that will see it implement a holistic plan to achieve its goal of feeding the national grid with 2,500 megawatts (MW) of power over the next ten years.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, KenGen Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Eng Albert Mugo said through the partnership, KenGen would improve its performance and long-term financial viability by developing and implementing a plan to meet global utility performance indices.

“Through this partnership, we hope to increase available generation capacity, develop new project structures and optimal frameworks to support efficient financing and project development”, said Mugo.

“We are also committed to improving operational efficiency and effectiveness, and adopting international best practices for renewable energy projectdevelopment, with a focus on geothermal,” he added.

Power Africa-Kenya is the local subsidiary of Power Africa, US President Barack Obama’s initiative to double access to power in sub-Saharan Africa.

The partnership recognizes

constraints in the delivery of electric power throughout Kenya and seeks to expand development cooperation to help KenGen design and implement a holistic plan to achieve its goal of bringing 2,500 MW of power on line at the lowest cost and in the fastest timeframe possible over the next ten years.

Speaking at the event, US Ambassador to Kenya Mr Robert Godec noted that Power Africa has access to tools and global capabilities that meet KenGen’s

specific needs.

“Power Africa-Kenya, through its ongoing development programs, aims to support KenGen in meeting its development goals, and will further seek, where necessary, to better align its programs across all US Government agencies with KenGen’s priorities”, said Mr Godec.

In addition to its ongoing development programs and specific transaction support in Kenya, Power Africa-Kenya

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KenGen Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Eng Albert Mugo shakes hands with US Ambassador to Kenya Mr Robert Godec.

Fastjet cuts air fares, increases flights from Nairobi to Tanzania Low cost carrier fastjet has announced a sale on tickets for its Nairobi-Dar route with one way fares starting as low as Sh7,700 inclusive of government taxes. ‘We are targeting first time flyers who would otherwise not have been able to afford to travel by air,” said Jimmy Kibati, fastjet General Manager for East Africa.

The airline, which launched the Dar es Salaam to Nairobi route early January 2016, has already doubled its daily flights return flights between each city, making a total of 28 flights per week between Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport and Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport effective March 21.

This new sale goes hand in hand with the Nairobi to Dar

intends to take a transactional approach to assist KenGen in meeting its power development goals and in accessing capital.

Power Africa will provide KenGen with a multidisciplinary project development team that comprises transaction, financial, legal, procurement/ contracts management, and technical experts to assist KenGen in developing and bringing its power generation projects to a financial close.

es Salaam route promotional discount offer of USD$30 (sh 3000) available for flights from April 1 to June 30 for bookings made until May 30.

“Our customers can now enjoy a further $30 (sh 3000) discount from the any fares available online by booking through atwww.fastjet.com and entering the promotional code–FAST30,” added Kibati.

With the new schedule in place, morning flights will depart Dar es Salaam at 06h00 and land in Nairobi at 07h20. The return flight will take off from Nairobi at 07h50, and will land back in Dar es Salaam at 09h15.

“Fastjet is fast fulfilling our promise to make air travel affordable and convenient for consumers in both Kenya and Tanzania,” reiterated the GM,

adding that more than one third of its passengers so far have been first time flyers who are now able to afford air travel for the first time.

The new evening flight will depart Dar es Salaam at 20h15 and land in Nairobi at 21h35. The return flight will depart Nairobi at 22h05 and land back in Dar es Salaam at 23h30.The expanded schedule will result in nearly 19,000 seats each month on fastjet flights between the two cities, providing travellers with more convenient travel options at affordable fares.This far, the impact of fastjet flights to and from Kenya has already been substantial, with other airlines flying between the two countries reducing fares by as much as 40 per cent.

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CBK EXCHANGE RATES 1 US DOLLAR 1 UK POUND 1 EURO 1 S.A RAND 1 KSH/USH 1 KSH/TSH

MEAN 101.5248 144.0578 113.8125 6.6541 33.2924 21.5416

BUY SELL 101.4283 101.6212 143.9039 144.2117 113.6922 113.9328 6.6456 6.66626 33.2116 33.3733 21.4719 21.6113

Airtel partners with business leaders to stimulate market Airtel, one of the region’s leading telecommunications companies, has announced plans to form partnerships with local business leaders in a bid to promote business growth in the country.

The telecoms firm hosted an executive breakfast yesterday, which brought together over 20 business leaders from Kenya’s financial and manufacturing sectors. The meeting, led by Airtel Kenya CEO Adil El Youssefi under the theme “Building partnerships for the future”, sought review and explore innovative solutions driven by technology within the telecommunication space that will help businesses growth in the country and across Africa.

In attendance were Barclays Kenya CEO Jeremy Awori, Gulf African Bank Managing Director Abdalla Abdulkhalik, Citibank East Africa CEO Joy-Ann Wainaina, Kenafric Industries Limited CEO Bharat Shah, Jubilee Insurance General Manager, Pensions David Ogega, FEP Holdings Group C.O.O Maurice Korir, Savannah Cement head of Sales and Marketing Eric Masindet, Co-operative Bank of Kenya Head of Government and Public Sector Banking Silvance Nono and Chandaria Industries Group CEO and Director Darshan Chandaria, , among others.

Airtel Kenya CEO Adil El Youssefi told the business leaders that the company is riding on the wave of the economy to provide best products and services in support of business in Kenya and across Africa.

Adil expressed his delight at the opportunity to interact with the CEOs to jointly explore new innovative solutions that will take advantage for Airtel’s technology to help businesses take advantage of the digital opportunities for business growth.

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Standard Chartered posts Sh9.16 bn profit following CBK transparency directive Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Ltd has posted a profit before tax and exceptional items of Sh9.16 billion for the Full Year (FY) ended 2015.

This is compared to Sh14.35 billion shillings the previous year. The lender’s announcement comes after a directive from the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) urging commercial banks to reduce operating costs and enhance transparency in the pricing of credit.

The CBK has said that despite a volatile global economy, the banking sector has remained stable and resilient.

“However, the CBK continues to closely monitor the sector, particularly concerning credit risk as reflected in an increase in non-performing loans. Liquidity in banks and its distribution has normalised, but further work is needed to strengthen liquidity management and operations of the interbank market,” CBK Governor, Dr Patrick Njoroge said in a statement

released earlier this week.

“The Board has resolved to recommend to the shareholders at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, the payment of a final dividend for the year of Sh12.50 for every ordinary share of Sh5.00,” Standard Chartered Bank said in a statement, which was approved by the Board of Directors on 23 March 2016 and signed on its behalf

by Mrs. Anne Mutahi Chair to the Board and Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Lamin Manjang.

One interim dividend of Sh4.50 for every ordinary share of Sh5.00 was paid in January 2016. The total dividend therefore, is Sh17.00 (2014: Sh17.00), the group added. The dividend will be payable to shareholders registered on the Company’s Register at the close of business on April 22, 2016 and will be paid on or after May 27 2016. The lender is set to hold its thirtieth Annual General Meeting on May 26.

Dennis_x254

BUSINESS 7

IMF lowers Kenya’s growth estimates WEEKEND, MARCH 24-27, 2016

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has lowered its growth estimates for Kenya’s gross domestic product (GDP) to 6 per cent in 2016 from an initial projection of 6.8 percent.

The international organisation of 188 countries, which works to foster global monetary cooperation and secure financial stability, said the downgrading is a result of tighter external and domestic financing conditions that will reduce private and public investments relative to earlier forecasts.

This is the second time that the estimate has been downgraded with the IMF having lowered projections from 7.2 per cent to 6.8 per cent in November 2015.

Nonetheless, IMF officials state that growth is expected to pick up further after 2016, supported by continued improvements in the business environment, modernized and expanded transport and energy infrastructure, and regional integration.

“In 2015, the economy continued to expand robustly, although at a slowerthanprojected pace. Real GDP grew by an estimated 5.6 percent in 2015, driven by public infrastructure spending, buoyant credit growth, and strong consumer demand,” the group said in a statement released yesterday.

“But the growth acceleration in 2015 was slower than projected under the program, due mainly to delays in planned road infrastructure spending, weaker tourism receipts in the wake of an April 2015 terrorist attack, and volatile external financing conditions,” the report added.

Kenya’s inflation has exceeded the upper bound of the authorities’ target range of5+2.5 per cent since December. The recent increase in inflation reflected waning base effects of lower oil prices continued demand pressures, a weaker currency, accommodative monetary policy until June 2015, and adverse weather. In addition, changes in excise taxes (effective as of December 1) are estimated to have contributed 0.4 percentage points to 12-month inflation since then.

The country’s large current account deficit however, has started to decline, but financing flows and reserves have also fallen. The current account deficit for 2015 is estimated to have narrowed to 8.2 per cent of GDP in 2015, from 10.4 percent in 2014, which is mainly explained by an estimated decline in oil-related imports of more than 2 percentage points of GDP. However, the decline in financial inflows more than offset the

Collapsed Imperial Bank executives charged with fraud Two former executives of collapsed Imperial Bank have been charged with conspiracy to defraud the bank and depositors of 29 billion shillings ($286 million). Naeem Ahmed Shah, who was head of credit, and James Jamlick Kaburu, who was head of finance, were charged with seeking to defraud the bank and depositors through “an irregular and illegal overdraft disbursement scheme”, a court filing showed. Three other individuals and a company were also charged with involvement in the alleged scheme.

All those charged pleaded not guilty, according to a lawyer representing the three individuals but not the two former executives.

The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) ordered the privately owned bank to be put into

receivership in October 2015 after the board of the midsized lender alerted it to alleged malpractices.

Central Bank of Kenya governor, Patrick Njoroge, said in December of last year that he would have a clearer picture in March about how to deal with Imperial Bank after a full examination of the books. He said all options were on the table, including liquidation, acquisition by another bank or a capital injection by shareholders to restart operations.

The other three who were charged in the court were named as Nashir Haiderali Jessa, Zulfikar Haiderali Jessa and Nargis Aziz Jessa.

The company involved was named as W.E. Tilley (Muthaiga) Ltd. The individuals and company could not immediately be reached for comment.

improvement in the current account balance against the background of volatile global markets, contributing to an acceleration of exchange rate depreciation. The CBK intervened between March 2015 and February 2016 on both sides of the market, which reduced exchange rate volatility and contained the pace of depreciation. Net foreign exchange sales during this period led to a decline in gross official reserves from $7.9 billion (Sh801 billion) at the end of 2014 to US$7.5 billion (Sh761 billion) in December 2015. The 12 per cent depreciation of the

Kenyan shilling against the U.S. dollar between January and December 2015 was modest by regional standards.

This comes after the Fund approved Kenya’s application for a total of Sh152.3 billion ($1.5billion) in a precautionary credit facility.

Precautionary arrangements are used when countries do not intend to draw on approved amounts, but retain the option to do so should they need it. IMF Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair Min Zhu says the decision by the IMF executive board follows Kenya’s commitment to only

use the credit facility in the event of exogenous shocks with a negative impact on balance of payments.

According to the IMF’s latest report, improvements to the business climate are becoming evident. Kenya was among the top 10 reformers in 2015 in the World Bank’s Doing Business Survey, moving to 108th place (out of 189 countries) from 129th last year, with improvements especially in the provision of electricity, access to credit, and ease of registering property. At the same time, perception of corruption has increased.

Taking into account the significant shocks affecting the economy, performance under the current program has been satisfactory, the IMF said. Adverse shocks to the economy caused growth to be lower in 2015 than initially projected by an estimated 1.3 per cent of GDP. The slowerthan-projected economic growth in turn contributed to a higher-than-initially projected fiscal deficit (by 1 per cent of GDP) in 2014/15.

International reserves declined but remained adequate at 4.5 months of imports at end-December 2015.

Dennis_x254

8

BUSINESS

Visa, Premier Bank in pact to accelerate electronic payment WEEKEND, MARCH 24-27, 2016

Financial services company Visa Inc. has partnered with Somalia’s Premier Bank as part of a wider strategic agreement to strengthen formal banking services in East Africa and in particular, Somalia.

The deal comes barely two weeks after a new report from Visa Inc, found that increased electronic payment usage added $70 million (Sh7.1 billion) to Kenya’s GDP from 2011 to 2015.

The study has discovered that migration to electronic payments created the equivalent to an average of 5,330 jobs in Kenya per year during the review period.

The 2016 study, conducted by Moody’s Analytics and released

by Visa, analysed the impact of electronic payments on economic growth across 70 countries, including Kenya between 2011 and 2015.

Now the new agreement signed between Visa and Premier Bank will enable Visa cardholders in Somalia to use Premier Bank’s ATM network.

“We are delighted to partner with Premier Bank as our first client in Somalia. Visa continues to be at the forefront to help build sustainable financial institutions and inclusive financial systems. We hope that this partnership will encourage further electronification of commerce in Somalia,” said Visa General Manager, Southern and East Africa, Jabu Basopo. The ATM channel makes

Customers at a Premier Bank ATM in Somalia. provision for services such as cash withdrawals and balance enquiries.

In addition the wider Point of Sale acceptance footprint is growing, and Visa cardholders can also pay for goods and services from merchants that accept Visa across the country.

“This partnership is bound to accelerate the growth of electronic payment in Somalia and ensure that as many Somalis as possible

are brought into the formal banking system,” added Mahat Mohamed Ahmed, Managing Director of Premier Bank.

Premier Bank will continue to be at the forefront of innovation and will continue to look for new ways of giving Somalis the means to enhance their financial prospects.

In return, Visa will support Premier Bank by engaging with key

stakeholders to assist where possible on infrastructural challenges and ensure that innovative payment solutions enable financial inclusion for Somalia’s population.

“Visa’s experience of offering superior products and value to its clients has driven growth in over 200 countries and territories around the world and we hope to attain the same results in Somalia,” added Basopo.

LG drives the TV revolution with stylish ultra slim OLED display Television is moving into a radical new era, heralding the most exciting tele-visual developments of our lifetime with cutting-edge TV designs.

Increasingly, viewers will take charge of their own entertainment in their home with the emerging Intuitive Operability TVs. OLED display is the latest development in fast moving TV technology and is arguably the most exciting invention

by LG since the golden age of television. CES 2016 was one of the most important events for LG with a strong show casing of its revolutionized design on Television that proved to be the pinnacle of television technology.

LG had on display a flexible concept OLED display so thin, at just 0.18mm, that it can be rolled up like a poster.

Whereas OLED display might not be the end of innovation for the giant electronic company -LG, LG OLED TV delivers the best-looking picture of any type of TV display today, thanks to its Infinite Contrast Ratio of the best deepest blacks of any current panel tech.

For instance, the stylish, ultra slim design of LG OLED TVs now available at a reduced cost to ensure mainstream

appeal offers appreciable benefits to consumers where space is less of an issue. The latest OLED offerings from LG have almost entirely eliminated bezels, allowing the television to blend in seamlessly with any interior décor as well as enhancing Space saving.

The stunning picture quality of OLED allows the TV to looks beautiful when in use and its streamlined design prevents it from becoming a distraction when turned off.

LG’s OLED TVs measure in at a mere 2.5mm, allowing them to nearly disappear when viewed from the side.

Moreover, the elegant designs of OLED TVs allow users to experience the maximum benefit of its widened viewing angles. The narrow viewing angles of traditional LCD TVs make

it necessary to seat all viewers within a small “sweet spot” but LG OLED TV eliminates this problem, giving consumers more freedom to design their viewing areas as they see fit, regardless of the size and shape of the room.

But there are OLED benefits beyond that of complete viewing experience on TVs. OLED’s superior picture quality and flexibility make it the perfect display format for the next generation of smart devices. From form-fitting wearables and rollable TVs to smart automotive displays and bending mobile phones, OLED technology has the potential to turn sci-fi concepts into reality. kevin_x254

Banking giant Credit Suisse to cut another 2,000 jobs Swiss banking giant Credit Suisse has announced 2,000 job cuts at its global markets business.

The latest cuts are in addition to the 4,000 layoffs announced last month as part of the bank’s efforts to reduce annual costs by $820M (Sh83 billion) a year.

The company blamed a “high and inflexible cost base” and “volatile market conditions”, the global markets business trades bonds and other financial products.

Tidjane Thiam took over as chief executive of Credit Suisse in July 2015, having spent six years leading the UK-based insurer Prudential.

In a statement accompanying today’s announcement, he described the performance of the global markets business as «disappointing», blaming the company›s exposure to financial products that were difficult to trade in «challenging» market conditions.

“In this context, we have taken immediate action to reduce outsized positions in activities not consistent with our new strategy and systematically reduced our exposures,” he said.

The bank is leaving some business areas altogether, including distressed credit products.

Transcentury secures Sh2bn from Kuramo Capital in expansion bid African infrastructure company, Transcentury has secured an equity injection of Sh2 billion from Kuramo capital. The partnership will be a catalyst for the tremendous future growth opportunities in the infrastructure space.

“Our experience in SubSaharan Africa underlined by our commitment to building and cultivating local market leaders, aligns with Transcentury Group’s strategy. We are delighted to partner with one of Africa’s most prominent investment companies”, said Kuramo Capital Co- Chief Executive officer Shaka Kariuki.

The Board and management of Transcentury Group said they continue to execute its growth strategy that is largely driven by its power divisions expansion program, engineering division’s strong and well balanced pipeline of projects and the

infrastructure division that will solidify its presence in Power generation, annuity/toll roads projects among others in the region.

Transcentury reached a settlement with majority of its convertible bondholders reducing the debt from Sh8 billion to Sh4 billion. Mr. Paras Shah, an adviser to majority of the convertible bondholders said that the majority of the bond holders were pleased to have reached an amicable and well-structured settlement.

“This agreement validates the confidence Kuramo and other investors have in Transcentury and reflects our commitment to maximizing investor value”, said Zeph Mbugua, Group Chairman Transcentury group.

The process, however, remains subject to regulatory approvals including the approval of the Capital Markets Authority and Shareholders where applicable.

WEEKEND EDITION MARCH 24-27, 2016

ACCESS topstory

U

nless you’re a freshfaced 21-year-old, you know you need to eat a good meal before a night of drinking. You may have even neglected this golden rule from time to time and felt the consequences of getting too drunk too fast and the subsequent hangover. No one wants to be that overly drunk guy or deal with the backlash of the next day’s hangover, but if there’s little to nothing in your stomach, the alcohol heads straight for your bloodstream and the effects can be almost immediate.

Without food in the stomach to slow down its progression, the alcohol moves through the stomach, kidneys, lungs, liver, and the brain. About 20% of the alcohol you drink passes through the stomach and reaches the brain within a minute. While you experience a pleasant, temporary flush or feelings of warmth, your body is already dealing with the effects of alcohol.

To avoid being the guy who can’t stand up and to make sure you make it to work the next morning, it’s safe advice to eat before you

drink. The question is: What foods should you eat and what foods should you avoid? Here’s what you don’t want to eat before a night of heavy drinking. salty snacks Even though it keeps you rushing to the bar bathroom, alcohol dehydrates your body. Like caffeine, alcohol is a diuretic, so it increases the amount of urine the body produces while blocking the release of a hormone that is needed for water absorption.

Unless you gulp down a glass of water between pints, you’ll find yourself hungover the next morning. Salty snacks like popcorn, chips, and nuts only make you thirstier, leading you to reach for another drink, which in turn dehydrates your body further. To beat dehydration, eat foods that are waterbased like fruits and vegetables (cucumbers and watermelon are particularly good). spicy foods Just like those extra spicy wings, Indian curries, or tomato-based sauces can aggravate your stomach on a normal day, when you drink the effect only

Lupita Nyongo’ does not support weaves

Lupita

FORGET NTSA, IF YOU HAVE TO IMBIBE DON’T EAT THESE FOODS

hollywood star lupita nyongo has said that she opted to go bald to save on time fussing with her hair and to embrace her feminine features. lupita who was speaking to instyle Magazine expressed the need for women to embrace their natural hair and stay away from weaves. shots have been fired.

HOT TOPICS

foods you must not eat this Easter before taking alcohol

nuts, or tuna. Protein takes longer to digest and will slow down the rise of your blood alcohol level. sushi It may sound like the perfect, guilt-free way to start your evening, but sushi is not your friend before a night of boozing. Not only does raw fish not pair well with shots — or getting sick, should the night go that way — but the soy sauce you dunk your rolls in is packed with salt, which speeds up your dehydration levels endangering you to a nasty hangover complete with your fair share of painful headaches.

@duncan_x254

Keko trying to make a comeback

Letoya is out of the closet

Top Kenyan modelling and catwalk coach Letoya Johnstone has finally come out of the closet and declared that he is indeed homosexual. In a social media post he wrote: ‘I am gay (homosexual) and I love di**s so much. If you are heterosexual and your bible is different from the one I am reading which says, “Only cast a stone if you have never sinned before “then congratulations. Don’t ask anything from me but I will be at liberty to ask things from you including respecting you and working with you. Thank you and God bless you. !! Xo xo. He later added that if anyone dared to talk sh*t he would block them.

increases. Alcohol loosens up the muscles that keep your food and digestive juices down where they should be. Consuming spicy, acidic foods in combination with alcohol can actually provoke acid reflux and heartburn.

Greens How many times has your diet, conscience, or partner suggested you reach for a salad instead of a juicy hamburger? This is one time when salads should be avoided. While the nutrients and fiber in those leafy greens are hard to pass up, eating a simple salad is almost as bad as going out drinking on a completely empty stomach.

Vegetables move through your body quickly, so if you’re set on a salad throw on some protein like chicken,

After receiving fists of dirt from fans and friends for drug abuse, Keko is seeking to rebuild her image. The East African hip hop star visited a children’s home in Uganda and promised to aid in any manner they might need.

Miss World for Kenya,finally

LETOYA

After almost being denied her crown by Steve Harvey, Miss World Mireia Lalaguna will be in Kenya for four days. Mireia will be here from the 30th of May to 3rd June.

10

ACCESS

WEEKEND WEDNESDAY EDITION, 26th MARCH NOVEMBER 24-27, 2014 2016

CAMPUSVIBE

all round news and updates from universities

Another love related death at Moi University

Daystar celebrates Ms Kizito

T

o honour a departed heroin, Daystar University officially opened and named a lecture hall after Ms. Mary Kizito. Ms. Kizito was a pioneer of the institution having worked there for 25 years and nurturing the communications department.

Her fortitude and dedication acted a great source of encouragement for many of her students.

Ms Kizito passed on after a long battle with cancer.

A kitchen knife was used to attack and murder a fourth year student at Moi University hostels on Monday night.

Dickson Sirengo, stabbed Steve Wairimu eight times in what police are terming as an intricate love triangle.

The incident happed at Brookside area in Eldoret.

According to the police, the Steve was in a relationship with Faith, and he found Dickson and Faith chatting in her room at around 9pm. It is when a spat ensued and with Steve igniting the verbal attack given that he was drunk.

Dickson in reaction tore Steve’s shirt and Steve tore his in return, and that’s when things went from bad to worse.

Dickson it is said grabbed a knife and stabbed Steve eight times.

Steve was later rushed to hospital but passed away on his was, Dickson tried to escape but was caught by hostel guards.

He is currently being held at Langas police station.

MS. KIZITO

Bedbug menace at Taita Taveta University

D

oors at Taita Taveta University are under lock and key. The University was shut indefinitely after chaos erupted.

More than 2000 students were protesting the uncontrollable attacks by bed bugs! Apart from bedbugs, the students claimed that the institutions Wi-fi is poor, there are poisonous snakes within Campus and that they lacked security lights.

Property of unknown value was destroyed.

Mugenda leaves KU in good hands and with a hefty bank account

A

fter all Olive Mugenda the former Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor is not interested in a hefty sendoff package.

Mugenda who left the office earlier this week declined to have a package of 100 Million plus other perks albeit after an uproar from a majority of Kenya.

The package had been proposed by the University’s Council as a token of

appreciation due to her impressive development record. Mugenda in a statement declined the offer and simply thanked KU community for support during her tenure.

Meanwhile KOT was busy demonizing the ex VC for making KU a business rather than an academic institution with Caroline Mutoko leading the pack. But many Kenyans also felt that Mugenda did her best with KU.

MUGENDA

hot date CIROC VODKA BEACH PARTY This Easter holiday, get out of town and hit the coastal beaches of Nyali . The Nyali Beach Hotel presents the ultimate beach bash sponsored by Ciroc Vodka and dubbed ‘the Nation Ciroc Beach Party. It will be an all eat, drink and dance affair on Saturday the 26th of March.

Entertainment by DJ Hypnotiq, G Money, DJ Bonez and DJ Lenium.

Charges: Sh 1000

Nike self lacing sneakers Since its founding in 1964, Nike has become one of the world’s most innovative brands. From iconic Air Jordans to beautifully designed fitness centers, Nike continues to push the boundaries of aesthetic ingenuity. And as recently during an event in New York City, the footwear and sports-apparel giant unveiled Nike HyperAdapt 1.0, a sneaker that uses adaptive lacing to fit around the wearer’s foot. The technology works like this: A sensor embedded in the heel is activated once a person steps

into the shoe, signaling a batterypowered series of pulleys to cinch the throat of the shoe, automatically tightening it and effectively tying the footwear. Plus and minus buttons on the side allow the wearer to stiffen or loosen the grip. Nike says that after a few wearings, the HyperAdapt 1.0 will automatically adjust to the preferred tightness.

And the good news is that the sneakers are already available for customers to purchase.

ACCESS

WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 24-27, 2016

@TargeT and MariMekko suMMer collecTion

Cool for the summer.

11

FASHIONscoop Floppy hat to keep the sun at bay.

Lightly conservative.

Surfing the chic way.

cool bodY wear

So much has been said about the searing heat in Nairobi; it is time to do something about it especially since the Easter break is finally here…. Why not head down to the Coast to cool off in the breezy ocean? And while at it, here are some summer wear outfit ideas for you, featuring playful prints, monokinis, and rashguards for the busy city girl who just wants to cool down a little.

Maxi-glam.

@mercy_x254

TOP

global glass sTrucTures A giant glass high heel popped up in Taiwan earlier this year, and instead of paying homage to Cinderella, it’s intended for worship. Yahoo reports that the footwear design was chosen to attract more women to the church.

Inside, the church is also slated to offer 100 other female-oriented perks, including chairs for lovers, biscuits and cakes!

glass slipper heel church in Taiwan

china’s glass bridge

The world’s longest glass suspension bridge opened in China’s Shiniuzhai National Park. Known as Haohan Qiao — or Brave Men’s bridge — the 590-feet-high construction spans 984 feet in length and was originally made of wood.

China dares you to visit and cross this vertigo inducing architectural wonder.

The capital gate is a leaning skyscraper located in Abu Dhabi. This iconic building leans 18 degrees to the West. The Guinness Book of World Records certified the capital gate building as ‘world’s farthest leaning manmade tower’ in June 2010.

The 35 storey building stands at a height of 160 meters.

capiTal gaTe in abu dhabi

12

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WEEKEND, MARCH 24-27, 2016

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WEATHERFORECAST

DAILYHOROSCOPES CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan19 Repressed past traumas could come to the surface and be processed and released. This could leave you feeling rather dazed, as this purging could open a gap in your psyche. Don’t worry; eventually it will fill with new knowledge and insights instead of psychic garbage!

AQUARIUS Jan 20 - Feb 18 A missing object, intellectual problem, or mystery of some kind could have you curious enough to search for the truth. This is a good way to train your powers of observation, although intuition will probably play a strong role in your success. Go to it, and have fun!

WEDNESday 24/3/2016

sunny

29

28ºC 38%

THURsday 25/3/2016

More sun than clouds

28 6:36 am 6:42pm

27ºC 42%

PISCES Feb 19 - Mar 20 A business or romantic partner may seem a bit preoccupied with some very serious matters today, Pisces, and not be likely to share them with you. Asking to talk about it won’t work, so you’ll probably end up depending on your intuition. Don’t feel excluded. Your friend will talk when the time is right.

6:36 am 6:42 pm

FRIday

28

Fill in the blanks with the numbers 1-9. every row, column and 3x3 box must contain all nine digits with no repeated number.

Yesterday’s Solution

Sudoku

ARIES Mar 21 - Apr 19 It will probably require all your attention, so if you can, take care of it first thing in the morning when you’re still fresh. This might be a contract or it could be an insurance policy or something else full of unintelligible jargon. Don’t be afraid to ask someone familiar with it to explain the language to you.

TAURUS Apr 20 - May 20 Today your mind is perfectly suited to devising plot twists and interesting but complex characters.

You could tell the story to children, or you might even decide to turn it into a novel. Jot down your ideas and look at them again tomorrow. If you want to continue, then go for it!

GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 This could prove frustrating at first, because you will know that it has to be somewhere in the house, but you can’t find it anywhere! The item may reappear just as you’ve given up on it, in a place you never would have imagined! Tip: it’s probably hidden among other objects.

CANCER Jun 22 - Jul 21 Listening to rumors probably doesn’t appeal to your sense of fairness; nonetheless, you’re wondering, too. Your comrades will probably experience a mixture of relief and disappointment when this person/ thing turns up. Mystery (mostly) solved!

LEO Jul 23- Aug 22 Whatever it is, you may need to seek some assistance before you execute it. The language might be difficult to understand, and some of the clauses might not feel right to you. This can be frustrating, but it’s important to do it today.

VIRGO Aug 23-Sep 21 Some new discoveries that you may have heard about in the media could have piqued your interest and might propel you to the library to find books on the subject. Your mind is in the right space to understand it, and it could shed a lot of light on those around you, including you!

LIBRA Aug 23-Sep 21 You like to think of yourself as down to Earth and realistic, but today you could find so-called unrealistic fields of knowledge irresistible. You’ll also have a special gift for them right now. Read up on the subject and give it a try. You might be surprised at what you discover.

SCORPIO Oct 23 - Nov 21 Jack the Ripper, the Black Dahlia, the truth about O.J. Simpson, and other intriguing problems might capture the interest of everyone present, and might lead to some animated debates over possible solutions. Each possible solution could tell you a lot about the person proposing it!

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 A young colleague could leave your place of employment under strange circumstances, Sagittarius, and this could come as a shock to you. You may have been quite fond of this person, and find yourself wondering about the truth behind the departure. Gossip may buzz, but don’t pay any attention to it.

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PLAY 13

WEEKEND, MARCH 24-27, 2016

CROSSWORD Across 1. Shove 5. Russian royals 10. Act gloomy 14. Flulike ailment 15. Completely foreign 16. Makes a gaffe 17. Grouchy 19. Speaker’s stage 20. In near-mint condition 21. Bat used for fielding practice 22. Giveaways 26. Outback wild dog 30. Like some fish 34. Message from a BlackBerry, maybe 35. Disapproving sounds 36. “Storage Wars” network, briefly 37. Fight units 39. Pricey vessels 42. Congo’s cont.

43. The face ___ angel 47. Supermodel Campbell 48. Unnecessary repetition 51. 10-to-12-year-old 52. Racecar driver Mario 54. Push aside 57. Former Chrysler boss Lee 62. Volunteer State: Abbr.

63. Manuscript, for one 66. Everyone in Germany?

67. Like a successful souffle 68. The slightest bit

69. Divided avenue, briefly 70. Dough leaven 71. Himalayan legend Down 1. Bucket 2. Hybrid citrus fruit 3. Be moody 4. LOL sound 5. Lion handler 6. Least fleet 7. Scuba tankful 8. Pawnee cousin 9. Long Island or Puget (abbr.)

10. One of the Gorgons 11. Mediterranean port 12. Arrogant sort 13. Oil company of old 18. Evolve 21. Not a lot 23. Seine contents 24. Diner order, briefly 25. “The ____ Bitsy Spider” 26. Get rid of rodents 27. “___ different opinion” 28. Yaren’s atoll 29. Gimlet liquor 31. Lake in the Sierra Nevada 32. Message on a Wonderland cake 33. Lacquer ingredient 38. Persuaded 40. Clownery 41. Bird call 44. Because of

45. Get older 46. Big Apple daily, briefly 49. Like some returning vacationers 50. Minn. neighbor 53. Dogpatch negative 54. Pierce 55. Hades 56. Sin City sch.

58. “___ can you see...?”

59. Quote 60. Nail polish layer 61. The Beatles’ “____ Love Her” 63. Text-speak for “I apologize” 64. One-eighty turn (var.)

65. Org. with merit badges

Yesterday’s answers Yesterday’s answers

YOURSAY IEBC Okoa decision hard to sell to Cord The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s (IEBC) rejection of a bid for a referendum to amend the Constitution is a controversial decision.

The decision in itself and the manner in which it as derived has irked the Cord fraternity.

However, it brings to an end an initiative that could have been an additional burden in the run-up to next year’s General Election, with the serious doubts on the IEBC’s capacity to effectively handle both.

The IEBC claims that the sponsors failed to collect the one million authentic signatures required to force a referendum.

Cord coalition through the Okoa Kenya movement had in

November last year presented 1,633, 577 signatures to the electoral body for verification before the push was turned into a Bill and presented to county assemblies to approve a popular vote.

The IEBC’s position is a hard sell to the opposition, which is accusing the electoral commission of working in cahoots with the ruling coalition to sabotage the Okoa Kenya effort.

The coalition has vowed to use legal and extra-legal, judicial and extra-judicial means to achieve out push for a referendum.

They have also threatened to go to court following the collapse of their push.

For now, the IEBC can devote its energies to preparing

adequately for the elections scheduled for August next year.

The leadership will have to contend with the growing suspicion in the opposition that, as currently constituted, the electoral commission cannot be relied upon to oversee a free and fair poll.

It, therefore, behoves the IEBC to strive to regain the public’s confidence in its role as an arbiter.

The Okoa signatures verdict has further infuriated Cord, which has expressed lack of confidence in the IEBC. This is not going to change overnight and Cord’s push for more transparency in the electoral process is justified.

— Nderitu

Raila surrounded by money-angry cartel With Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) registration clerks spread in all parts of Kenya during the just concluded mass voter registration, Cord strongholds only managed to have 700,000 people register. How then would they want us to believe that they collected more than 1 million signatures for OKOA Kenya- from a small secretariat being run by some well-known political con-men?

The problem is that Raila Odinga is surrounded by a gang of extortionists, deal brokers and money hungry schemers. They fleece money from him, create fake reports. Even during the 2013 General Elections- the same gang (Led by some fake consultant, who now wants to take a City Parliamentary seat) gobbled up

money meant for Presidential campaigns, and the ‘old man’s’ party was not even able to pay polling agents. The 2013 campaigns were a shambolic display of incompetence and pure robbery by the gang that surrounds the Raila.

After chewing all the money, they then hide under the cover of “elections were stolen, rigging and IEBC must go”. After chewing money meant for campaigns, these gang that surrounds the clueless old man want to threaten the peace of other Kenyans.

For Kenya to be delivered, before even turning our wrath on the blundering Jubilee- the first group that should be kicked out of public life is the clowns that lead the Opposition.

— James Guchu.

Does Easter add value to Christians’ life?

Easter festive has come again, a worldwide Christian tradition to celebrate death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Churches will throb to the fullest and streets will be washed with “unfaithful believers” marching to and from churches with dramas portraying the death of Jesus on the cross.

Some Christians have however question the celebrations, saying Good Friday and Easter Monday have never been mentioned in the Bible which is the ultimate source of all things for Christians. Since hundreds of millions keep it, supposedly in honour of Jesus’ death and resurrection, certainly the Bible must have much to say about it.

Unfortunately, there are absolutely no verses within the pages of the Bible that authorise or endorse the keeping of Good Friday or Easter celebration.

Many a times believers take their belief for granted and most often take no time to prove why they do some things. A lot of people hitherto celebrate holidays and practice traditions learned from a young age in the name of Christianity without ever proving why.

Some of these celebrations could turn out to be mere precepts of men based upon creed books and have absolutely no Biblical authority. Few if not none, would deny that this is just a subtle attempt to insert pagan festival into scripture for the purpose of authorising it.

Jesus Christ was crucified, buried and on the third day arose, the Bible affirms that, but can your Pastor or Priests find anything within that context alluding to Easter celebration?

If Easter is not found in the Bible, then where did it come from? The vast majority of

ecclesiastical and secular historians contend that Easter and all the traditions surrounding it, are deeply rooted in pagan religion.

It come to us from German Ostara or Eastra, the AngloSaxon goddess off spring for whom a spring festivals were being held annually.

According to the New Catholic Encyclopedia, the term comes from Old High German plural for dawn; eastern or Ostern and to our English Easter. The church fell along with these pagan festivals, conformed to pagan practices and continued these festivals to present day because of its esthetic desires without second thought.

To any reasonable and unmystical believer, these festivals add no value to our spiritual lives, and should be taught perfectly without prejudice, philosophical vagaries and religious bigotry.

—Phabian Jr

IEBC should come clean on Okoa Kenya signatures The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is once again on the spotlight over the manner in which it has handled the Okoa Kenya referendum push.

Just days after conducting shambolic byelections in Kericho and Malindi which were marred by malpractices, the Commission has again cut short the Cord’s push for a referendum.

The Commission claimed that more than 700,000 signatures presented by the Opposition were fake. More curiously is that the government was privy to this information

even before it was released officially by IEBC. Majority Leader in the National Assembly Aden Duale and TNA chairman Johnson Sakaja announced last week that the signatures presented by Cord were fake.

The big question remain how did the two know about the fate of the signatures which were only supposed to be handled by IEBC. IEBC is expected to verify signatures not to conduct data cleansing as they have done. It is time for complete overhaul of the body if Kenyans want a free and fair election in 2017.

Send your letters to news@254.co| Letters will be edited for summary and clarity

14

SPORT WEEKEND, MARCH 24-27, 2016

Formula 1 drivers warn success of the sport could be jeopardised Formula 1 drivers have demanded change at the top of the sport, saying its decision-making process is “obsolete and ill-structured”.

Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) directors Jenson Button, Sebastian Vettel and Alex Wurz have written a letter on behalf of the drivers.

It urges the owners and stakeholders of F1 to” restructure its governance”.

Many issues can be traced back to F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, but the letter does not mention the 85-year-old.

It claims that some recent decisions are “disruptive”, avoid “the bigger issues” and “could jeopardise F1’s success”.

Writing the letter is an extraordinary step by the drivers, which reflects the strength of their feelings on the matter.

It was published hours before F1 announced a new six-year exclusive broadcasting rights deal with Sky Sports - meaning the sport will not be shown on terrestrial television from 2019.

The GPDA has been careful not to single out specific issues but collating recent remarks by many drivers and Wurz - and developments over the winter.

Decisions on rule changes such as double points in 2014, changing the qualifying format and restricting

radio communications for this year, and fundamental errors in the formulation of the turbo hybrid engine rules; plus ideas that have been discussed but not yet accepted such as weight handicaps, reverse grids and qualifying races are some of the issues they want addressed.

Others are the move towards pay TV, which is at the centre of declining audiences, the failure of the strategy group of leading teams, F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone and governing body the FIA to make significant progress in mapping out a clear direction on the sport’s future.

The drivers are also angered by what is perceived to be an inequitable distribution of income, heavily skewed in favour of the top teams.

“It is fundamental that the sport’s leaders make smart and wellconsidered adjustments,” it reads.

“We feel that some recent rule changes - on both the sporting and technical side, and including some business decisions - are disruptive, do not address the bigger issues our sport is facing and in some cases could jeopardise its future success.

“The drivers have come to the conclusion that the decision-making process in the sport is obsolete and ill-structured and prevents progress being made. Indeed, it can sometimes lead to just the opposite

- gridlock.

“This reflects negatively on our sport, prevents it being fit for the next generation of fans and compromises further global growth.”

The drivers add: “The future direction and decisions of F1, be they short- or

long-term, sporting, technical or business-oriented, should be based on a clear masterplan that should reflect the core principles and core value of F1.

“We need to ensure that F1 remains a sport, a closely fought competition

between the best drivers in extraordinary machines on the coolest race tracks.

“F1 should be home only to the best teams, drivers and circuits, with partners and suppliers fit for such an elite championship.”

Dutch Formula One driver Max Verstappen (right) of Scuderia Toro Rosso, British Formula One driver Jenson Button (centre) of McLaren-Honda and French Formula One driver Romain Grosjean (left) of Haas F1 Team chat before the start of the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, Australia on 20 March 2016. The drivers have warned about the future of the sport. PHOTO: SRDJAN SUK/EPA

I’m for equality, says apologetic Novak Djokovic Novak Djokovic has apologised Serena Williams, Caroline to a number of leading female Wozniacki and Ana players - and spoken with Andy Ivanovic.

Murray - following his comments “I feel very sorry if, in any way, I hurt my female about equal pay in tennis.

The world number one suggested colleague tennis players,” on Sunday that male players he said. “I have a very good should earn more as they generate relationship with all of them. more income.

I have a huge respect for all of But the Serb says he has been them.” in touch with fellow players, Djokovic had already apologised including Murray, who criticised in a Facebook post on his initial stance.

Tuesday to those people “I never had any intention to who may have been upset offend them or come up with any by his comments but went negative connotations,” he said. further when he faced the The 28-year-old from Belgrade media in Miami on added: “I don’t make any Wednesday. differences between the genders. I am for equality in the sport.”

Djokovic said he had received a message from Murray on Tuesday and that they had spoken “very openly and frankly” about the issue.

The 11-time Grand Slam champion said he had also sent messages to Novak Djokovic at a press conference in Miami where he apologised for his remarks on the equality row. PHOTO/EPA

Sterling out for two months Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling will miss about six to eight weeks with a groin injury, meaning he might not play again this season.

Sterling, 21, picked up the problem in City’s 1-0 Premier League defeat against Manchester United on Sunday.

Eight weeks would see him return after the final day of the Premier League - 15 May - but before the Champions League final on 28 May. England will monitor the player’s situation in the lead up to Euro 2016.

The Three Lions squad for the tournament will be announced on 12 May and manager Roy Hodgson has until the end of that month to submit his final 23-man list.

City keeper Joe Hart should only be sidelined for about two weeks after picking up a calf injury in the United match.

The duo have already been omitted from the English squads for their friendly matches against Germany and the Netherlands.

SPORT 15

Suarez to make Uruguay return after biting ban

Luis Suarez says he has been working on controlling his “anxiety and nerves” as he prepares for his first competitive Uruguay game since biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup. Suarez was given a nine-game ban from competitive internationals, as well as a four-month ban from all football-related activity for the 2014 incident.

“No-one is going to change the way I play,” said Barcelona’s Suarez, 29.

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said Suarez must be “more than mature”.

Suarez will have missed 640 days of competitive action for his country, including their 2014 World Cup defeat

by Colombia, the entire 2015 Copa America and four games of 2018 World Cup qualifying. He was however allowed to play in friendlies.

Uruguay are second in South American qualifying behind Ecuador and face Brazil tomorrow.

Suarez has been in sensational form since leaving Liverpool for Barcelona in the aftermath of the ban, winning the La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey treble.

This season he has scored 46 goals in 47 games for the Spanish side and says he will not change his aggressive style of play.

“I am going to have the same attitude. I will still run, still pressure, still argue but with moderation, like I am doing now at Barcelona,” he said.

“I am being more intelligent about a lot of things, trying to take advantage of the situations life is putting in front of me.

“I have been working over the last few weeks on trying to control my anxiety, my nerves, which people’s euphoria can cause me but I am very relaxed.

“I know it is special because a lot of time has passed but more than anything I feel

Uruguayan national soccer team player Luis Suarez speaks during a press conference about his return to the team in Montevideo, Uruguay on Tuesday. He is set for a return to the team after a two-year ban to face Brazil tomorrow in their South American qualifying round ahead FIFA World Cup Russia 2018. PHOTO: RAUL MARTINEZ/EPA

like a player who is coming to give the best I can.

“The only thing I want to do is play with the national side again and enjoy the warmth of the fans.”

Coach Tabarez feels his striker must concentrate on his football and nothing else.

“As a person, he must have emotions, he must have a lot going on in his head after almost two years away from the national team,” said Tabarez. “One of the objectives that we set out is for him to

think about playing football and nothing else.

“I recognise his importance as a footballer, how symbolic everything he does is, how important he is for the people of this country but he is coming to take part in a team.

“He is going to play against teams who recognise the potential he has and who are going to do everything they can to stop him, so he has to be very fresh, more than mature.”

Champions League shake up as Uefa considers new format The Champions League may feature fewer teams in the group stages under proposals being considered by Uefa.

One suggestion is for more knockout rounds, leading to two ‘super-league’ groups of eight teams - the current format features eight groups of four.

A spokesman told the Guardian Uefa was in “constant contact” with clubs but “no concrete proposals” were in place.

The current structure is unlikely to change under the present TV rights deal, which runs to the end of 2017-18.

The Champions League replaced the European Cup, which was a straight knockout competition, in 1992.

There are currently three qualifying rounds and a play-off round, all played over two legs, then the group stage which features 32 teams divided into eight groups, with the top two in each group advancing to the knockout round of 16.

The European Clubs’ Association, led

WEEKEND, MARCH 24-27, 2016

by former West Germany international striker Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, has held discussions regarding a tournament consisting of 20 teams from Italy, England, Spain, Germany and France.

Inter Milan chief executive Michael Bolingbroke told the BBC this week that he saw merit in the idea of Champions League wildcards for teams that have not qualified through their league position.

FC Barcelona players celebrate after winning the Champions League trophy last year.

2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 X 2 2 2 Ksh 1,536,530 Ksh 114,422 Ksh 18,319

WEEKEND EDITION, MARCH 24-27, 2016 | WWW.x254.CO

Suarez returnS to national Side after biting ban

p15

poor Stars lose again

H

arambee Stars string of losses continued at the hands of Guinea Bissau yesterday evening when they fell to the West African minnows in a third round of group qualifiers for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

Stanley Okumbi’s side which travelled to Bissau on Monday went down early in the first half conceding the only goal of the match after defender Musa Mohamed failed to clear in time.

The always-shaky Gor Mahia defender was left for dead by forward Idrissa Camara who raced to meet a well flung long ball with a perfect header to beat Arnold Origi in goal and give his side their first win of the group stage.

The defeat leaves Kenya at the bottom of the group with its hopes of reaching the finals in Gabon almost extinguished.

The Stars were generally poor and questions will be asked about new coach Okumbi’s tactics that were generally blamed by Kenyans online.

Okumbi’s fielding of little known Kariobangi Sharks’ midfielder Patillah Omoto was criticized as Stars struggled to contain their hosts. The coach had overlooked experienced players in Teddy Akumu who started on the bench and Collins Okoth who was axed from the team altogether.

It means Captain Victor Wanyama lacked a combative partner, and he chose to play long passes most times. Omotto had to be withdrawn early in the second half as Akumu was introduced to steady the ship.

But a poor Kenya could not get an equalizer. “At no time did I promise we shall win a lot in these first years. We shall build from ground up and that I said will take more time,” FKF president Nick Mwendwa who was present at the Estadio 24 de Setembro

in Bissau yesterday tweeted after the loss.

In another Group E match, Congo rallied from behind to hold Zambia 1-1 in Ndola.

Both teams now have five points each but Congo is ahead on goal-difference.

Guinea Bissau moved to four points in third place while Kenya remains stuck at the bottom with just a point which they secured in a 2-2 draw in Congo last September. In other Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers played yesterday, Benin beat South Sudan 2-1 in Juba while Tanzania won 1-0 away in Chad. West Brom forward Stephane Sessegnon struck the opener on 16 minutes and Benin added a second on 75 minutes. South Sudan pulled one back late on. The victory lifts Benin to the top of Group C above Mail who play tomorrow.

New Fifa president Gianni Infantino was in attendance after he had inaugurated the South Sudan FA’s office.

In Group G Chad hosted Tanzania with both sides looking for their first win.

Tanzania earned a 1-0 victory thanks to Mbwana Samatta’s 30th-minute strike.

It lifted them level on points with second-placed Nigeria, while Chad remain rooted to the foot of the table without any points. Nigeria take on group leaders Egypt tomorrow.

Sao Tome e Principe pulled off an incredible comeback to beat Libya 2-1 in their Group F clash. Both sides went into the game having lost their first two matches and having scored only one goal apiece.

Faisal Albadri put Libya ahead after 24 minutes but the hosts scored two goals in the last five minutes to snatch victory.

An own goal from Eltrbi set them on their way and Dos Santos hit the winner. peter_x254

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